By Emily Williams
For Ralph Hardwick, nothing sounds less pleasing than spending retirement sitting around and waiting for something to happen.
“I have two suggestions for anyone who is looking to retire,” Hardwick said. “One: Don’t have a mortgage. Have your house completely paid for. Two: Have a hobby.”
Hardwick’s hobby of choice found him 46 years ago, when he was in his … [Read more...]

By Sarah Kuper
Lottie Jacks feels like any recent college graduate – glad not to have to study for another final or drag herself to an 8 a.m. class after a long night of studying.
But unlike the average Samford University grad, Jacks is 85 years old.
The octogenarian walked across the Wright Center stage May 14 to receive her degree in biology nearly 65 years after she began … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams
Homewood's M.H. Smith has always had a passion for writing and for teaching children, but she never foresaw writing and performing a series of children's stories or publishing her own children's book.
In retirement, she has done just that. Smith’s “Too Many Elephants,” was published this year.
The educational story has been performed for preschoolers for … [Read more...]

By Emily Williams
For more than 30 years, Tom Cronier of Homewood has devoted his free time to a lady in red.
Big Bertha, the acclaimed Wurlitzer pipe organ that resides in the Alabama Theatre, has led Cronier, and subsequently his wife, Loretta, to a life of service to Birmingham’s growing Theater District.
His love of the instrument has been a lifelong passion, and … [Read more...]

By Sarah Kuper
The bookstore on the lower level of the Homewood Library is home to hundreds of used books, movies and magazines.
Most cost one dollar or less.
The store is almost completely staffed by volunteer members of Friends of the Library – a group of individuals who believe in the importance of a quality local library.
Sue Thomas says she is spending her retirement … [Read more...]

5 months agoby overthemountainjournalIt’s almost 90 degrees outside, and the first day of autumn is still a few weeks away — but we are already seeing the first signs of fall! Have the leaves on your trees started changing colors or falling yet? : Ingrid Schnader

5 months agoby overthemountainjournal“It’s just this weird magic that came up early on — that’s the time I felt most right in this universe,” said Black Jacket Symphony founder and guitarist J. Willoughby about playing music. Read more about J. and other artists in this week’s issue, “Celebrating the Arts.” : Ingrid Schnader

5 months agoby overthemountainjournalAmy Jason’s definition of a good cookie is simple. “It should be crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.” Read more about Jason and her successful bakery at OTMJ.com. : Jordan Wald